CARIBBEAN GRENADA DESTINATIONS
itting in the alfresco beachside restaurant, the moonlight picks out a movement in the sand. Just yards away, a large leatherback turtle is laying her eggs. The impromptu interruption to our dinner at Flamboyant Hotel & Villas, situated on Grenada’s famous Grand Anse beach, is one of many surprises during our trip. I joined five agents and an
S
operator on a Grenada Tourism Authority fam to the ‘spice island’, which is about the size of the Isle of Wight. It might be lesser known than some of its Caribbean cousins, but we were amazed at how much it has to offer. Beyond the two-mile sweep of Grand Anse, regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches, it boasts many attractions.
One day we hiked through
lush forests, the next visited a chocolate-making plantation and historic rum distillery (followed by tastings, of course). Other highlights included snorkelling and diving at the world’s first underwater sculpture park and an exhilarating river tubing expedition. UK visitors represent nearly a
quarter of the island’s tourists, with 15,478 Brits heading to Grenada from January to July – a 5.8% increase on 2014. As interest in this charming and friendly island grows, here’s first-hand feedback on hotels to recommend.
w BEST FOR . . . LUXURY Hotel: Spice Island Beach Resort Location: Grand Anse Vibe: With a tranquil spa and
64 rooms ranging from chic beachside suites with hammocks to private walled villas with pools and the personal services of holiday ‘co-ordinators’, this five- star ticks all the boxes for luxury- loving clients. Attention to detail includes a room-service breakfast with bread you toast yourself, so it doesn’t get cold. Agent verdict: “Stylish and elegant, every need has been looked after,” says Caribtours marketing manager Amberley Shermon. “The rooms are spacious and well thought out. The staff are friendly and attentive, and get to know you straight away.”
w BEST FOR . . . BUDGET Hotel: Coyaba Beach Resort Location: Grand Anse Vibe: Set in landscaped gardens
beside the beach, this laid-back resort has 80 rooms in eight two-storey blocks, and leads in with room-only stays. The swim-up bar is the focal point of the large pool, and there are complimentary watersports. Agent verdict: “It’s a home from home in the Caribbean and oozes traditional charm,” says Travel Counsellor Julie Welfare. “It offers excellent value for money and would be ideal for second- time visitors to the Caribbean.”
w BEST FOR . . . STYLE Hotel: Mount Cinnamon Location: Grand Anse Vibe: Brightly decorated modern villas provide the wow factor at Peter de Savary’s boutique hillside resort. Golf buggies are available to ferry guests
26 November 2015
travelweekly.co.uk 53
FAST FACT
Some Grenadian rum is 150% proof and so flammable that you’re not allowed to take it on aircraft
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